Google started out as a search engine, so nobody ever expected it to be directly competing with Amazon, an online retailer, in the smart home market.

Smart speakers can be a useful companion in your home. The voice-controlled devices can answer random questions, set multiple timers as you cook and play your favorite podcasts. Some even have ...

Tired of talking to yourself? Quit grumbling and put your words to work: connected to your Wi-Fi network, the best smart speaker options will listen, learn and lend a helping hand. Or at least tell ...